The Decisive Moment

HONGKONGTATLER.COM RAN A STREET PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION INVITING READERS TO SUBMIT IMAGES OF THEIR FAVOURITE DISTRICTS. AND THE WINNERS ARE…

Which hong kong district inspires you?” That’s what Hongkongtatler.com asked readers in May when it launched the #HKTATLERXLEICA Street Photography Competition. Inspired by Laurent Segretier’s hauntingly beautiful photographs of Claire Hsu-vuchot in her favourite neighbourhood, Sheung Wan, for the May art issue of Hong Kong Tatler, the contest ran from May 20 to June 8. Thousands of images paying homage to historic locations and contemporary cultural hotspots were submitted.

The two winners captured different faces of the city. Zephyr Or’s simple black-andwhite entry, Say Hello, reminded Segretier, who was one of the judges, of the great French photojournalist Henri Cartier-bresson; the graphic lines and candid faces were reminiscent of some of his images, such as Harlem (1947) and Madrid (1933).

Of co-winner Phey Palmer’s piece, Lunch Break Behind the Gates, judge Lynn Fung, managing director of the Liang Yi Museum, said, “I loved how it showed not only a more old-fashioned side to Hong Kong, but it also beautifully captures a tranquil moment in an otherwise hectic city.”

The winners received HK$20,000 vouchers courtesy of Leica during a presentation ceremony at the Liang Yi Museum on July 14, which marked the beginning of a week-long exhibition of the top 20 entries. See the top 20 photos and the shortlisted submissions at hongkongtatler.com/street-photography

SLICE OF LIFE PHEY PALMER’S WINNING ENTRY, LUNCH BREAK BEHIND THE GATES, WAS TAKEN AT YAU MA TEI WHOLESALE FRUIT MARKET